the likelihood of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the likelihood of" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express a probability or the chance that something may happen. For example, "Given the current state of the market, the likelihood of our company's success is low."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science & Research

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The likelihood of that happening?

The Guardian - Opinion

The likelihood of reproach terrified her.

The New Yorker

The likelihood of common-sense leadership emerging?

The New York Times

The likelihood of a compromise remains unclear.

The New York Times

Why increase the likelihood of distraction?

The New Yorker

The likelihood of recent warmth.

Nature

The likelihood of promotion rises by 40 percent.

Independent

"But the likelihood of that is low".

The New York Times - Tech

And what is the likelihood of that?

The Guardian

Perhaps the likelihood of making a fortune.

The New York Times

The likelihood of success is very high.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider your audience when using "the likelihood of". In formal contexts, it's a suitable choice, but in casual conversation, consider using simpler alternatives like "the chance of".

Common error

Avoid using "the likelihood of" in very informal writing. While grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal or stilted in casual conversations or less formal writing contexts. Use alternative such as the "chance of", depending on the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the likelihood of" functions as a noun phrase acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It introduces the concept of probability or chance, setting the stage for a discussion about potential outcomes. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science & Research

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the likelihood of" is a versatile phrase used to express the probability or chance of something occurring. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across diverse contexts. It is suitable for formal writing and general discussions, though simpler alternatives might be preferable in casual settings. Its consistent presence in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its reliability and acceptance. While "the probability of" is a stronger more technical synonym and "the chance of" is a more informal one. Using it effectively involves being specific about the factors influencing the likelihood and quantifying it whenever possible to convey a clear assessment of potential outcomes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the probability of

Replaces 'likelihood' with 'probability', emphasizing a more quantifiable chance.

the possibility of

Uses 'possibility' instead of 'likelihood', indicating a potential but not necessarily probable event.

the chance of

Uses 'chance' instead of 'likelihood', indicating a more informal expression of possibility.

the odds of

Substitutes 'likelihood' with 'odds', suggesting a comparison between favorable and unfavorable outcomes.

the prospect of

Replaces 'likelihood' with 'prospect', focusing on a future possibility or potential.

the potential for

Shifts from 'likelihood' to 'potential', highlighting an inherent capacity for something to occur.

the risk of

Replaces 'likelihood' with 'risk', emphasizing the potential for negative consequences.

the eventuality of

Substitutes 'likelihood' with 'eventuality', focusing on the certainty of an event occurring at some point.

the expectation of

Replaces 'likelihood' with 'expectation', emphasizing an anticipated outcome.

the degree of certainty of

More formal way to express the chance of something happening.

FAQs

How can I use "the likelihood of" in a sentence?

Use "the likelihood of" to discuss the probability or chance of something happening. For example: "Given the data, "the likelihood of" a market crash is increasing."

What can I say instead of "the likelihood of"?

You can use alternatives such as "the probability of", "the chance of", or "the odds of" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "the likelihood of" or "the probability of"?

Both phrases are correct, but "the probability of" is often used in more technical or scientific contexts, while "the likelihood of" is more common in general usage. Therefore you can use both phrases depending on context. The "probability of" is more technical than "the likelihood of"

Can "the likelihood of" be used for both positive and negative outcomes?

Yes, "the likelihood of" can be used to discuss the chance of both positive and negative outcomes. For example: "The likelihood of success is high," or "The likelihood of failure is a concern."